My George Selvie Analysis

Since it is obvious that we will be drafting in the Top 10 again this year, I thought that I might as well get a leg up on scouting a few players that we may be interested in IMO next year.

The first player I will profile will be George Selvie for USF. Listed at 6’4” 245lbs Selvie appears to have the makings of an excellent candidate for the OLB spot in a 3-4. I know Selvie is a Junior, but why would he want to go back to school for one more year. Honestly, looking at the NFL landscape a good pass rusher who would in all likelihood, be a Top 10 pick should enter the draft.

So, now that the pleasantries are out of the way let’s get to the nitty gritty:
Selvie has the natural frame of a pass rusher; long arms, lean bodied and fast. To my eye it looks as though he could gain a few more pounds over time, as he is still very lean overall. I just don’t think his body has finished growing yet, and only bodes well for whoever drafts him.

Selvie has made his name of off his first step. He is explosive out of his stance and can blow by any sub standard OT he faces. Unfortunately, his first step is a blessing and a curse – as I will get into in a little bit. Selvie is a natural up the field player who does a good job of chasing the ball. He will be susceptible to misdirection and counter action because of his aggressive nature and desire to find the ball. If he can learn to diagnose the play faster then it will take another weapon away from his opponent. This is something I will mention now; Selvie is not what I would call a tactician by any means. I have seen two games already this year (and two last years) and I haven’t seen him set up the average at best OT’s he has faced. He doesn’t play mental games with the OT, nor set him up for a specific move later on in the game. This aspect worries me some as he should incorporate this element into his game. He already has most OT’s nervously aware of his speed, and he should only magnify this by more cerebral in his actions on the field sometimes. If he has a veteran in front of him, or at least around him for a while before he is handed the reins as a starter he will prosper from it.

After addressing his lack of mental games, I think now is the time to get into my “his first step is a blessing and a curse” comment. Because Selvie has such a good first step he relies on it absolutely. He is being blatantly double teamed and Selvie still attacks the outside shoulder of the OT without fail and runs himself into the awaiting RB to chip him. I almost want to pull him aside and say to him “if you don’t show that guy a swim move or arm over in the next three plays I am going to bench you.” Just once I would like to see him do this on the fly. Occasionally he will dive inside on the snap but that is not the same thing at all. Adding those two moves to his repertoire would make him on the same level as “The Freak” when he was young and healthy. It is also worrying that he hasn’t addressed this, or for that matter the coaching staff at USF. I know college coaches sometimes get out of the way of their star players, but this is awful. Make him display an inside move of some repute. Selvie is no way near the same type of player as Vernon Gholston as he uses his hands better already when he rushes – it is just he has no secondary move. If you get this guy some good coaching he would explode in the NFL, as he can naturally bend his body around the corner.

Also when he rushes, he rarely blows someone up – especially the secondary blocker. Selvie must be more physical as a whole when rushing the passer as a whole. He should just flatten the RB on some plays and doesn’t. He has so much speed he should just run the guy over. As of yet I have not seen him just bulrush an OT either, which is worrying considering his build and athletic ability. He should be able to do this move several times in a game. Again, adding pas rushing moves, which makes you harder to defend overall. But once again I still think he is further along with his hands in terms of use than Gholston was. Selvie just needs to be schooled on various moves, until one alternate sticks.

Selvie changes directions very well, and has good balance for a man his size and build. He doesn’t take false steps in terms of changing directions laterally, and shows a good knee bend when doing so. He doesn’t just flip his hips, but his is pretty fluid none the less and as mentioned maintains good balance by keeping his torso over his legs. Rarely is he just on the ground because of being out of control. He chases the ball well, unless he is tired when he visibly lacks hustle in his backside pursuit, which is only natural. Once given a rest, he is back to his usual self again quite fast.

Selvie isn’t asked to drop back into coverage, but I don’t doubt that he could do it if asked by an NFL team. His lack of physicality to me means he should be moved off the LOS and allowed to play in more space where he can use his speed to his advantage. Obviously he would have to learn a secondary pass rush move to be effective, but if he doesn’t learn one he will be a one trick pony at DE. It appears he is dedicated, by his diet and willingness to sell out for his team and probably is coachable.

 

I don't know if he is that low, also pass rushers climb up the board as well - see Gholston.

 

I can certainly try my best. I will have to see if I can find some film that shows him running routes, which can be hard considering I don't have coaches tape. If I have serious problems with this I will let you know.

And, if DJPhinfan is out there listening, I haven't forgotten about your request.